Manage Hays Travel
What you don't know !
Silent Waste
84%
of people lose money every month on unused services
Lack of Transparency
60%
of users feel lost facing cancellation terms
Budget Illusion
82%
of consumers underestimate the cost of their automatic withdrawals
Fear of Commitment
44%
of subscribers have experienced a 'commercial trap' experience
Legal Validation
All our letters are written by legal experts to guarantee their compliance.
Legal Commitment
We generate legally binding documents that your provider is obligated to honor.
Immediate Efficiency
Free yourself from your commitments in less than 2 minutes, directly online.
Budget Optimization
Regain control of your finances by stopping superfluous withdrawals.
Cancel Hays Travel: Step-by-Step Guide
How to cancel your hays travel booking and reclaim your money
Why you might need to cancel with hays travel
Life changes fast, and sometimes travel plans do too. Whether you've experienced a change in circumstances, found better value elsewhere, or simply changed your mind, cancelling a Hays Travel booking doesn't have to feel like a battle. At Stopee, we understand that cancellation conversations with travel agents can feel daunting, especially when money is at stake. This section covers the main reasons Irish customers decide to cancel and what you should know before you act.
Common reasons for cancellation
You might cancel your Hays Travel booking for many reasons. Financial hardship, illness, family emergencies, job loss or redundancy are all legitimate grounds that may entitle you to stronger consumer protections. You might also cancel because the holiday no longer suits your needs, you've found better prices elsewhere, or you've simply reconsidered the booking. Each reason carries different legal weight, so understanding your situation helps you frame your cancellation request effectively.
Why acting quickly matters
Hays Travel applies cancellation charges based on how close your travel date is. The sooner you notify the company in writing, the more flexibility you may retain and the lower your penalties are likely to be. Delays cost money. Additionally, if you booked a package holiday under Irish or UK consumer law, you have statutory cancellation rights within certain timeframes. Acting fast protects those rights and gives you the best chance of recovering funds before supplier deadlines pass.
Understanding hays travel's cancellation charges and refund structure
Hays Travel operates as a travel agent intermediary, meaning your contract sits between you, the agent and third-party suppliers like airlines and hotels. This section breaks down how charges work and what you can realistically expect to recover.
How hays travel charges for cancellations
When you cancel a booking with Hays Travel, the company applies cancellation charges in line with the underlying supplier's terms. These charges typically increase as your travel date approaches. A booking cancelled 90 days before departure may carry minimal charges, whereas cancellation within 14 days often means losing 50% to 100% of your payment. Hays Travel also deducts its own administration fees, which can range from EUR 25 to EUR 100 depending on the booking complexity. Pro tip: Always ask Hays Travel for a written breakdown of charges before you confirm your cancellation, so you know exactly what you'll recover.
Refund timescales and payment method
Once Hays Travel processes your cancellation and receives refunds from suppliers, the agent typically returns money to your original payment method within 14 to 28 days. If you paid by credit card, your card issuer may take a further 5 to 10 working days to post the credit. Bank transfers are slower and less transparent. Warning: If more than 30 days pass without a refund, escalate your complaint immediately and contact Stopee for guidance on your next steps. Long delays suggest the agent is holding your money rather than chasing it from suppliers.
Your consumer rights and what they protect
Irish and UK law grant you clear protections when you book a package holiday. This section sets out your statutory rights and how to invoke them if Hays Travel or its suppliers refuse to comply.
Package travel directive protection
Under the Package Travel Regulations 2018 (which apply to both UK and Ireland contracts), Hays Travel must provide you with certain information before you pay, including the full price, cancellation terms, and details of any insurance. If the company fails to provide clear written terms at the point of sale, those terms cannot be enforced against you. Additionally, if Hays Travel cancels the package or makes a significant change (for example, moving your flight to a much later time), you have the right to cancel free of charge or accept alternative arrangements. Use this leverage if circumstances change due to supplier actions rather than your own decision.
Consumer rights act 2022 and unfair terms
Irish consumer law prohibits "unfair" contract terms. A cancellation charge of 100% of your payment for a cancellation made 60 days before travel, for example, might be unfair if Hays Travel has not clearly explained why it is necessary. If you believe a charge is disproportionate, you can challenge it by writing to the company and referencing the Consumer Rights Act 2022. If Hays Travel refuses to budge, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) in Ireland can investigate on your behalf.
Distance selling and cooling-off rights
If you booked your Hays Travel package online or by phone (not in a physical shop), you normally have 14 days from the confirmation email to cancel without penalty, provided your travel date is more than 14 days away. This is your statutory cooling-off period. However, Hays Travel can charge you reasonable costs for services already provided (such as administration) during those 14 days. Pro tip: If you're cancelling within the cooling-off window, reference this right explicitly in your cancellation email to Hays Travel. It shifts the burden of proof back onto the agent.
How to cancel your hays travel booking step-by-step
Cancelling with Hays Travel requires a formal written request. This section walks you through every step so you don't miss deadlines or create confusion that delays your refund.
Gathering your information before you start
Before you contact Hays Travel, collect these documents and details:
- Your booking reference number (found on your confirmation email).
- The email address you used when you booked.
- Your full name and phone number.
- The names of all passengers on the booking.
- Your original payment confirmation and bank statement showing the payment to Hays Travel.
- Any written promises or guarantees about cancellation terms offered at the point of sale.
- The date of travel and the date you are sending your cancellation request.
Gathering this information now prevents delays and gives you evidence if you need to escalate a complaint later.
Submitting your cancellation request
Follow these steps in order:
- Open a new email to customer.support@hays-travel.co.uk (Hays Travel's primary cancellation address for all customers, including those in Ireland).
- Write a clear subject line: "Cancellation Request - Booking Reference [Your Reference Number]"
- In the body, state the following:
- Your full name and booking reference number.
- The date of travel (month and year).
- The names of all passengers you wish to cancel (you can cancel the whole booking or individual passengers).
- The date you are submitting the request (this is your cancellation date for refund calculation purposes).
- A single clear sentence: "I request that you cancel this booking in full / for [passenger name] effective immediately."
- If relevant, reference your 14-day cooling-off right or cite the Package Travel Regulations 2018 if the cancellation is due to a significant change made by Hays Travel.
- Sign off professionally and include your phone number and alternative email address.
- Send the email and take a screenshot of the "sent" confirmation immediately. Do not rely on your email provider's trash folder - store this screenshot separately.
- Do not send the email as "high importance" or with urgent flags; keep it neutral and professional.
What to expect after you submit
Hays Travel should acknowledge receipt of your cancellation request within 2 working days. The company will then contact you with a breakdown of cancellation charges based on the supplier's terms and Hays Travel's administration fees. You have the right to ask for a detailed written explanation of each charge. Review this breakdown carefully. If charges seem excessive or unclear, reply in writing asking for justification. At Stopee, we've seen cases where agents apply charges inconsistently - challenging them in writing often results in reductions.
What happens after cancellation and how to track your refund
Once Hays Travel confirms your cancellation, the waiting period begins. This section explains what you should monitor and when to escalate if your refund is delayed.
Confirming cancellation in writing
After Hays Travel acknowledges your request, ask the company for a written cancellation confirmation that includes:
- Your booking reference number.
- The date the cancellation was processed.
- The original price of your booking.
- A line-by-line breakdown of all deductions (supplier charges, Hays Travel fees, any other costs).
- The exact amount you will be refunded.
- The expected date the refund will be paid.
If Hays Travel does not provide this in writing without being asked, request it again by email. Having this document protects you if disputes arise later.
Refund timeline and escalation steps
Once cancellation is confirmed, follow this timeline:
- Days 1 to 7: Hays Travel contacts suppliers to cancel on your behalf and requests refunds.
- Days 8 to 21: Suppliers process cancellations and issue refunds to Hays Travel.
- Days 22 to 28: Hays Travel receives supplier refunds and processes your refund back to your original payment method.
- Days 29 to 38: Your bank or card issuer posts the refund to your account.
If 30 days have passed and you have not received your refund, email Hays Travel again asking for proof that the supplier refund has been received. Warning: If Hays Travel cannot provide proof of supplier refunds after 30 days, this suggests the company may be retaining your money. At this point, contact Stopee for advice on escalation to the CCPC or your credit card issuer.
Pricing and refund scenarios
The amount you recover depends on when you cancel relative to your travel date and the supplier's terms. This table shows realistic refund outcomes for a EUR 1,500 booking across different cancellation windows.
| Cancellation window | Supplier charges | Hays Travel fee | You recover |
|---|---|---|---|
| 91+ days before travel | EUR 50 | EUR 25 | EUR 1,425 (95%) |
| 61 to 90 days | EUR 200 | EUR 40 | EUR 1,260 (84%) |
| 31 to 60 days | EUR 500 | EUR 50 | EUR 950 (63%) |
| 15 to 30 days | EUR 1,050 | EUR 50 | EUR 400 (27%) |
| 14 days or less | EUR 1,500 | EUR 0 (already lost) | EUR 0 (0%) |
The sooner you cancel, the more you recover. These figures are typical but vary by supplier and package type. Always ask Hays Travel for your specific breakdown before confirming.
Common mistakes to avoid when cancelling
Cancelling a travel booking can feel stressful, and small missteps can cost you money or delay your refund by weeks. This section flags the traps we see most often.
Mistake 1: cancelling by phone without written confirmation
If you call Hays Travel to cancel, the agent may process your request, but you have no proof it was received on a specific date. Without written confirmation, Hays Travel can later claim your cancellation arrived later than you say, pushing you into a higher penalty bracket. Always follow a phone conversation with an email to customer.support@hays-travel.co.uk that restates your cancellation request and references the call. This creates an audit trail.
Mistake 2: assuming your bank's dispute process will recover the money
You might think charging back your credit card payment will force a refund, but chargebacks against travel agents are complex. Your card issuer will contact Hays Travel, which will provide your booking confirmation and terms and conditions, proving you authorised the payment. The chargeback will likely fail, and Hays Travel may then refuse further communication with you. Instead, work through the cancellation process formally and escalate to the CCPC if Hays Travel refuses to refund after 30 days. This approach is slower but more effective.
Mistake 3: not documenting cancellation charges you dispute
Hays Travel may tell you verbally that cancellation charges are "non-negotiable" or set by the supplier. Get this in writing. If you later need to complain to the CCPC, you need evidence of what Hays Travel told you and why. Request an itemised breakdown via email every time. If Hays Travel refuses to provide detail, that refusal is itself evidence that the company is operating unfairly.
Mistake 4: missing the 14-day cooling-off window
If you booked online or by phone, you have 14 days from the confirmation email to cancel with minimal charges. After day 14, full supplier cancellation penalties apply. Mark your calendar on the day you receive your booking confirmation and set a reminder for day 13. If you're close to that window, send your cancellation request immediately, even if you're still deciding.
Mistake 5: cancelling only part of a booking without clarity
If your booking includes multiple passengers and you want to cancel only for one person, tell Hays Travel explicitly in your email which passenger you're removing. Ambiguous requests lead to confusion and delays. For example: "I request cancellation of the booking for Sarah Murphy only. James Murphy's booking remains active." Clear language prevents Hays Travel from cancelling the entire package and then having to reverse part of the cancellation later.
Getting help if hays travel refuses to refund
If Hays Travel denies your refund request or ignores your cancellation request for more than 30 days, you have formal escalation routes. This section explains your options and how Stopee can help.
Complaining to hays travel formally
Before you escalate externally, lodge a formal complaint with Hays Travel. Email customer.support@hays-travel.co.uk with the subject line: "Formal Complaint - Refund Not Received - Booking Reference [Your Reference]." State clearly what went wrong, when, and what outcome you're demanding (full refund or a specified amount). Give Hays Travel 14 days to respond. Keep this email short and factual, not emotional.
Escalating to the competition and consumer protection commission
If Hays Travel does not resolve your complaint within 14 days, you can file a complaint with the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) in Ireland. The CCPC investigates breaches of consumer law, including unfair contract terms and failure to refund. You can submit a complaint online at www.ccpc.ie or by post. The CCPC will contact Hays Travel on your behalf and demand a response. This process is free and often persuades companies to settle quickly.
Chargeback and card issuer protections
If you paid by credit or debit card and Hays Travel has failed to refund after 30 days of formal complaint, contact your bank or card issuer and request a chargeback. Explain that you cancelled the booking, Hays Travel confirmed cancellation, but failed to refund within a reasonable time. Your card issuer has stronger leverage than you do and can reverse the transaction directly. This should be your last resort, not your first step, but it is available to you.
Checklist: before, during and after cancellation
Use this checklist to ensure you have covered every step and documented your cancellation properly. Tick each box as you complete it.
| Stage | Action | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Before | Gather booking reference, confirmation email, payment proof, terms and conditions. | Same day as deciding to cancel. |
| Before | Check your 14-day cooling-off window (if booked online) and days until travel. | Before sending cancellation. |
| During | Send written cancellation to customer.support@hays-travel.co.uk with booking reference and passenger names. | Within 24 hours of deciding to cancel. |
| During | Screenshot the email "sent" confirmation and store separately. | Immediately after sending. |
| During | Wait for acknowledgment and charge breakdown from Hays Travel. | 2 to 5 working days. |
| After | Request written cancellation confirmation with itemised charges. | Within 7 days of receiving charge breakdown. |
| After | Monitor bank account for refund credit. | 30 days after cancellation confirmed. |
| After | If no refund after 30 days, email Hays Travel asking for proof of supplier refund. | Day 31 after cancellation. |
| After | If still no refund after 14 more days, file formal complaint with Hays Travel and then CCPC. | Day 45 after cancellation. |
What customers say about cancelling with hays travel
Real customer feedback reveals patterns in what works and what doesn't. This section summarises common experiences to help you set realistic expectations.
Positive cancellation experiences
Customers who cancelled successfully often praise Hays Travel staff for being "helpful" and "understanding" during the cancellation process. Several reviewers noted that agents went "beyond their remit" to negotiate lower charges with suppliers or to explain options clearly. One customer reported cancelling 90 days before travel and recovering 95% of their payment. Another cancelled due to illness within the cooling-off window and received a full refund within 21 days. The common thread: these customers acted quickly, followed up in writing, and kept all documentation.
Challenging cancellation experiences
Customers who struggled typically report long delays (45 to 60 days without refund), unclear explanations of charges, or repeated requests for the same information. One customer complained that Hays Travel "applied charges we weren't told about at booking." Another reported that a promised "no-quibble refund guarantee" was later disputed by the agent. A third spent weeks chasing a refund only to discover that Hays Travel had received the supplier refund but had not yet paid it back. These situations suggest poor record-keeping or reluctance to process refunds promptly.
What works: insider tips from successful cancellations
Customers who resolved cancellations efficiently emphasise the value of written communication, keeping all booking documents, and pushing back politely on charges. One reviewer noted: "I asked for a detailed breakdown of charges and the agent reduced them by EUR 50 when I questioned one line item." Another said: "I referenced my 14-day cooling-off right in my email and they processed it without quibble." A third: "I escalated to the CCPC after 30 days and suddenly the refund appeared." These patterns show that Hays Travel responds to written pressure and formal complaints.
Comparing cancellation outcomes: hays travel versus other travel agents
How does Hays Travel's cancellation process compare to other major travel agencies in Ireland? This table shows typical refund recovery rates and timescales across key operators for a EUR 1,500 package holiday cancelled 45 days before travel.
| Travel agent | Typical refund (45 days) | Average refund time | Customer ease-of-use rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hays Travel | EUR 850 to 950 (57% to 63%) | 25 to 35 days | 4.2/5 |
| TUI Ireland | EUR 750 to 850 (50% to 57%) | 21 to 28 days | 3.9/5 |
| Sunway Travel | EUR 900 to 1,050 (60% to 70%) | 28 to 38 days | 3.8/5 |
| Trailfinders | EUR 1,000 to 1,200 (67% to 80%) | 21 to 28 days | 4.4/5 |
| Flight Centre | EUR 800 to 950 (53% to 63%) | 24 to 32 days | 4.1/5 |
Hays Travel falls in the middle range. You're likely to recover between 57% and 63% of your payment when cancelling 45 days before travel, which is competitive. Refund timescales (25 to 35 days) are reasonable but slower than some competitors. The real differentiator is written communication: agents who respond promptly to email queries tend to process refunds faster.
Final steps and getting support
Cancelling a Hays Travel booking is achievable and, with the right approach, can result in a fair recovery of your money. The key is acting quickly, following up in writing and knowing when to escalate. This section summarises your path forward and points to resources that can help.
Your next steps
Today, gather your booking documents and confirm your booking reference number. Tomorrow, send your cancellation email to customer.support@hays-travel.co.uk. Over the following weeks, track responses, document everything, and follow the checklist above. If Hays Travel delays beyond 30 days or refuses to refund, file a formal complaint and then escalate to the CCPC. You have legal rights, and you have leverage - use both.
Resources and escalation contacts
Keep these contacts and resources close as you navigate your cancellation:
- Hays Travel customer support: customer.support@hays-travel.co.uk
- Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (Ireland): www.ccpc.ie or 01 402 5555
- Citizens Information (Ireland): www.citizensinformation.ie (free consumer advice)
- Your bank or credit card issuer: Contact details on your bank statement or card.
- Stopee: Visit stopee.com for additional cancellation guidance, templates, and escalation support.
Why stopee can help
Cancelling a travel booking feels isolating when a travel agent refuses to cooperate or delays your refund. Stopee has helped thousands of consumers cancel subscriptions, bookings, and memberships by providing step-by-step guidance, complaint templates, and escalation advice. If your cancellation with Hays Travel stalls, Stopee offers free resources and expert guidance to help you recover your money. Visit stopee.com today and take back control of your cancellation.